What’s in it for you, Will, a thousand more wet sheep? I thought you were above all that grubbing about for land and money. Isn’t that what you were just telling me? So why do you want my crown, Will?

WILLIAM. I don’t. I’ve my own power, wee King. Better than yours. All you need to know is that you don’t tell Douglas what to do. Ever.

JAMES. You’ve made a deal with my enemies. You’ve killed my servants. You’re plotting to kill me.

WILLIAM. Are you asking me now or telling me?

JAMES. Why?

A beat.

WILLIAM. Fight me.

JAMES. What?

WILLIAM. Just… Come on… fuck you, James… come on then! If that’s what you think… Come on! We’ll fix this then. Fight me!

Look, I’ll make it easy for you, no blades, eh?

WILLIAM slams his knife into the table.

Just have a go at beating my brains out. We’ll do it that way.

Come on!!! You and me! You and me!

JAMES. There’s no ‘you and me’, William! You killed it!

Understand?!

That’s gone now.

Done.

A stand-off for a moment.

WILLIAM. Aw Jesus…

The BULL-HEADED MAN moves through the shadows in the room, streaked with blood. JAMES can see him, no one else can.

Well, you better have me executed then, James, eh? Since I’m that fucking dangerous, since I’m in here, a king-killer, in here, with his King. Better call for some help, James, eh? Because if that’s who I am there’s no hope, is there? No hope for any of us.

If I’d wanted to murder you I could’ve strangled you in your sleep, Jamie, couldn’t I? You always slept deep when I was keeping watch over you, after all. Keeping the nightmares away from you.

JAMES. You murdered my men! You’re planning war against me!

WILLIAM. Aye, right enough, right enough, what was I thinking, I don’t even know why I came to talk to you.

You’re right. We’re done now.

You still have nightmares, James?

I think you still have nightmares.

You’re right, I’m your nightmare.

How are you going to send me away? Eh? How are you going to do that, wee Jamie?

WILLIAM goes to get himself another drink.

JAMES. You said you were my friend.

WILLIAM. Oh the bairn. Listen to him!

I am your friend. It’s good we’re having this talk. You need to know what you’re up against. I won’t be ruled. Everyone needs to know. Douglas has made his mind up. He’s made his mind up to do whatever Douglas pleases till he dies.

Aye, if you try and tell me what to do I will bring you war, Jamie.

If anyone tries to tell me what to do I’ll bring war, Jamie. I can raise an army any time I want.